Foldable or collapsible boat.



N0. ,842,9o8. PATENTED'PBB. 5, 1907.

I I. 0. PBRRING. POLDABLE 0R GOLLAPSIBLB BOAT.

APPLIUA'TION FILED rmlz.f1a, 1905. nmmwsn ocT. s, 1906.

z SHEETS-SHEET 1.

PATENTED FEB. 5, 1907.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

rn: Nwzmsrrrnrs co., wnsnmcron. n. c,

entre srafrns earner ornron.

IRA O. PERRING, OF KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN, ASSIGNOR TO LIFE-SAVING FOLDINGCANVASy BOAT COMPANY, OF KALAMAZOO, MICHIGAN, A COR- PORATION.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 5, 1907.

Application filed February 13, 1905. Renewed Octeber 3,1906. Serial No.337,274.

T0 (1J/Z 11172/0711/ t ntctg/ 52071/06717@- Beit known that I, IRA O.PERRING, a citizen of the United States, residing at the citj,T ofKalamazoo,- in the countj,T of Kalamazoo and State of Michigan, haveinvented certain new and useful Improvements in Folding or CollapsibleBoats, of which the following is a specification. j Y i This inventionrelates to improvements in folding or collapsible boats.

The objects of this invention are, first, to

provide an improved folding or collapsible` in a folding or collapsibleboat an improvedy means for supporting and securing the ribs inposition.

' Further objects and objects relating to structural details willdefinitely' appear from 'the detailed description to follow.

I accomplish the objects of my invention bjr the devices and meanspointed out in the following specification.

The invention is clearly' defined and pointed out in the claims.

A structure embodying the features of my invention is clearlyillustrated in the accompanjt'ing drawings, forming a part of thespecification, in which Figure l is a central longitudinal sectionalview of my' improved folding or collapsible boat, the combination keeland bottom being shown in full lines with one of rits side pieces Eremoved. Fig. 2 is a longitudinal sectional view of my improved foldingor collapsible boat, the central portion I) of the combination bottomand keel shown in full lines in the position in which itis placed ininserting. Fig. 3 is a side elevation view of the central portion D ofmy improved combination keel and bottom, showing structural details.Figs. 4 and 5 are side elevation views of the side pieces E of myimproved intermediate sections.

combination keel and bottom, showing structural details thereof; Fig. 6is a plan view of my' improved combination keel and bottom in itsdisassembled condition, the bow and the stern keel extensions G beingomitted. Fig. 7 is a plan view of my improved combination keel andbottom `in its assembled condition with the keel extensions G omitted.Fig. 8 isa perspective view of my improved folding or collapsible boatlooking from one end. Fig. 9 is' a detail plan view of one of thesupporting-straps C for the longitudinal ribs C of the boat. Fig. 1'0 isa detail planview showing the relation of lthe supporting-straps and.the longitudinal ribs of the boat. Fig. 11 is a perspective view of theseat of n jf, folding or collapsible boat removed therefrom.

Fig. l2 is'a perspective view of the seat-board and its su port, showingthe manner of securing tie seat-board. Fig. 13 is a perspective` Viewshowing the seat-board support in its initial position in setting up.Fig. 14 isa plan view of one of the seat-supporting pieces II. Fig.

l5 is va side elevation view.V of the seat-board supports I-I folded.

In the drawings, similar letters of reference refer to. similar partsthroughout the several views.

Referring to the drawings, the skin -or' when the boat is assembled. Themain advantage of this strap is that it properlj7 spaces the ribs inassembling, and, further, keeps them all together when the boat isdisassembled.

The longitudinal ribs C are made up. of sections c c c, the sections cbeing the end sections, c the central sections, and c the The endsections c are preferably hair-pin-like in form-that is, connected inpairs. The intermediate sections c are adapted to be telescoped ento theIOO end sections c when the boat is collapsed, which permits the foldingof the skin. Thelongitudinal rib-sections are supported and theiroverlapped ends secured together by straps C', which are suspended fromthe gunwale of the boat. These straps C are arranged in pairs and areprovided with suitable gromets 0 to receive the ends of therib-sections. (See Figs. 9 and 10.) To further secure the sections c inplace, their outer ends are looped about the ribsections c, as clearlyappears in Fig. 10. l/Vhen thus arranged, if it is desired to collapsethe boat the rib-sections c are telescoped upon the sections c. When theribs are thus telescoped, it is evident that the skin may be foldedlongitudinally and rolled into a bundle without removing thelongitudinal ribs. The gunwale is also made up of tele'- scopingsections,l which arev embraced in a fold or pocket in the upper edge ofthe skin A. The combination keel and bottom is made up of a centralportion D and side portions FJ. The central portion D of the keel ismade up of three sectionsd d d". These sections d d d are securedtogether by'hinges. The hinges of one end of the sections d to thecentral section d are located on the under side, and the hinges of theother section d to the central piece d are located on the top side. Thisenables the folding of the end sections upon the central section, theend sections lying flat thereon.

The edges of the central portion D of the keel are provided Withprojecting strips or cleats d, which form grooves adapted to receive theside pieces E. These strips d are preferably pieces 4'of band-iron andare arranged so as not to interfere with the hinges. 'IIhe side pieces Eare each made up of two sections e, hinged together at a central point,so that the sections may be folded upon each other. The sections ofthese side pieces overlap the joints of the sections of the centralportion of the keel, and the cen-v tral section d of the central portionof the bottom overlaps the jointsof the side sections, so that when theside pieces are in position a rigid structure is secured.

The side pieces E are secured in the grooves by pivoted rodsf, whichhave oppositely-disposed hooks f at their ends adapted to engage thescrews or pins f in the side pieces.

Thus arranged, my combination bottom and keel can be very readily set upor knocked down, and when in the knockdown can be folded in to a verycompact package. At Athe saine time, when set up it is very rigid,although it may be made of comparatively light material.

The central portion D of the keel is provided with sockets g at each endadapted to receive the bow and stem keel extensions G. By thus arrangingthe parts the skin may be stretched longitudinallyT by means of thekeel. (See Figs. l and 2.)

In assembling the boat the longitudinal ribs are first arranged in theskin and the cross-ribs are then arranged with their ends engaged in thesockets in the gun'wale. The ends of the strap B are secured upon thekeel extensions G and the central portion D of the keel placed in theboat, as is illustrated. in Fig. 2, with the keel extensions G engagingthe sockets g thereof. By forcing the keel into the bottom of the boatthe cross-ribs are drawn into their proper position by means of thestrap B', and the skin is stretched longitudinally and also transverselyby the straightening up of the cross-ribs. The side pieces E of thecombination keel and bottom are then inserted and secured in position.This locks the parts together.

The hooks 7L of the seat-supports H are engaged over the gunwale of theboat, the initial position of the parts in doing this being illustratedin Fig. 13. These seat-supports are connected by braces i, which arepivotally secured thereto at i and to each other at t. rIhe pivots t arearranged transversely through the supports H, and the pivots i arearranged in a transverse relation to thepivots i, so that the braces maybe folded upon each other and then folded upon the sup ports, as isillustrated in Fig. l5.`

On the under side of the supports H are loops 7L", adapted to receivethe ends of the seat-board H. As the braces t' are forced downwardly inplacing the supports in position the seat-board is inserted in theloops, and when the braces i are in their lower position the seat-boardis clamped by these loops. (See Fig. 11.)

Secured to the braces i by the pivot if is a standard im, which afterthe braces are Ico forced down into contact with the bottom is turned upto serve as a central support for the seat-board. (See Fig. ll.)

By' thus arranging the parts they may be of comparatively light materialand at the same time possess sufficient strength for all purposes. Thestructure is also capable of being folded very compactly when the boatis in the knockdown.

I have illustrated and described my iinproved collapsible or foldingboat in detail in the form preferred by me on account of its structuralsimplicity, durability, and convenience.' I am aware, however, that thesame may be varied very considerably in structural details withoutdeparting from my invention.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, is-

1. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitableiiexible skinsuitable gunwales lon-- gitudinal ribs made up of overlapping sec--tions adapted to telescope upon each other,

the sliding section having eyes therein to receive the sections uponWhich they are telescoped; supporting-straps arranged in pairs adaptedto receive the overlapping ends of said rib-sections; cross-ribsarranged over said longitudinal ribs; a centrally-arrangedconnecting-strap for said cross-ribs; a coinbined keel and bottoniconsisting of a central portion inade up of three sections arranged endto end and connected by oppositely-arranged hinges; grooves in the sidesof said central portion; side pieces or portions inade up of sectionshinged together; arranged in said grooves so that the sections thereofover lap the joints of the said central portion; upwardly-projectingpins on said side pieces; rods having oppositely-disposed hooks at theirends adapted to engage the said pins7 pivoted to the said centralportion; sockets in the ends of said centralportion; keel eX- tensionsadapted to be arranged in said sockets; arranged through the ends of thesaid cross rib connecting strap; seat supports having hooks thereonadapted to engage over the said gunivales; braces pivoted to saidseatsupports and to each other by transverselyarranged pivots; aseat-board; loops on said seat-supports adapted to receive saidseatboard, 'whereby the said seat board is clainped to said supports assaid braces are forced into position; and a standard pivoted to saidbraces, adapted to be turned up to engage the under side of saidseat-board7 for the purpose specified.

2. In a folding boat; the combination of a suitable flexible skin;suitable guii'Wa-les; longitudinal ribs inade up of overlapping sec#tions adapted to telescope upon each other; the sliding sections havingeyes therein to receive the sections upon which they are telescoped;supporting-straps arranged in pairs adapted to receive the overlappingends of said rib-sections; cross-ribs arranged over said longitudinalribs; a centrally-arranged connecting-strap for said cross-ribs; acoinbined keel and bottoni consisting of a central portion inade up ofthree sections arranged end to end and connected by oppositely-arrangedhinges; grooves in the sides of said central portion; side pieces orportions inade up of sections hinged together, arranged in the saidgrooves so that the sections thereof overlap the ljoints of the saidcentral portion;

sockets in the ends of the said central por-' tion; keel extensionsadapted to be arranged in said sockets, arranged through the ends of thesaid cross-rib-connecting strap; seat-supports' having hooks thereonadapted to enA gage over the said gunWales; braces pivoted to saidseat-supports and to each other by transversely-arranged pivots; aseat-board; loops on said seat-supports adapted to receive saidseat-board, whereby the said seatboar-d is clainped to said supports assaid braces are forced into position; and a standard pivoted to saidbraces, adapted to be turned up to engage the under side of saidseat-board, for the purpose specified.

3. ln a folding boat, the combination of a suitable fieXible skin;suitable gunwales longitudinal ribs inade up of overlapping sectionsadapted to telescope upon each other7 the sliding sections having eyestherein to receive the sections upon Which they are telescoped;supporting-straps arranged in pairs adapted to receive the overlappingends of said rib-sections; cross-ribs arranged over said longitudinalribs; a centrally-arranged connecting-strap for said cross-ribs; aconibined keel and bottoin consisting of a central portion inade up ofthree sections arranged end to end and connected by oppositely-arrangedYhinges; grooves in the sides of said central portion; side pieces orportions inade up of sections hinged together; arranged in said groovesso that the sections thereof overlap the joints of the said centralportion; upwardly-projecting pins on said side pieces; rods havingoppositely-disposed hooks at their ends adapted to engage the said pins,pivoted to the said central portion; seat-supports having hooks thereonadapted to engage over the said gunWales; braces pivoted to saidseat-supports and to each other by transverselyearranged pivots; aseat-board; loopson said seat-supports adapted to receive saidseat-board7 whereby the said seatboard is clamped to said supports assaid braces are forced into position; and a standard pivoted to saidbraces, adapted to be turned up to engage the under side of saidseat-board, for the ypurpose specified.

4. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin;suitable gunWales; longitudinal ribs inade up of overlapping sectionsadapted to telescope upon each other, the sliding sections having eyestherein to receive the sections upon Which they are telescoped;supporting-straps arranged in pairs adapted to receive the overlappingends of said rib-sections; cross-ribs arranged over said longitudinalribs; a centrally-arranged connecting-strap for said cross-ribs; acornbined keel and. bottoni consisting of a central portion inade up ofthree sections arranged end to end and connected by oppositely-arrangedhinges; grooves in the sides of said central portion; side pieces orportions inade up of sections hinged together, arranged in the saidgrooves so that the sections thereof overlap the joints of the saidcentral portion; seat-supports having hooks thereon adapted to engageover the said gunWales; braces pivoted to said seat-support and to eachother by transversely-arranged pivots; a seat-board; loops on saidseat-supports adapted to receive said seat-board, whereby the saidseatboard is claniped to said supports as said braces are forced intoposition; anda standard pivoted to said bracesI adapted to be ego ICC

turned up to engage the under side of said seat-board, for the purposespecified.

5, In a folding boat; the combination of a suitable flexible skin;suitable gunwales; suitable ribs; a combined keel and bottom consistingof a central portion made up of three sections arranged end to end andconf nected by oppcsitely-arranged hinges; side pieces or portions madeup of sections hinged together, arranged in said grooves so that thesections thereof overlap the joints of the said central portion;upwardly-projecting pins on said side pieces; rods havingoppositely-disposed hooks at their ends adapted to engage the said pins,pivoted to the said central portion; sockets in the ends of said centralportion; keel extensions adapted to be arranged in said sockets7arranged through the ends of the said cross-rib-connecting strap;seat-supports having hooks thereon adapted to engage over the saidgunwales; braces pivoted to said seat-supports and to each other bytransversely-arranged pivots; a seat-board; loops on said seat-supportsadapted to receive said seat-board, whereby the said seatboard isclamped to said supports as said braces are forced into position; andastandard. pivoted to said braces, adapted to be turned up to engage theunder side of said seatboard, for the purpose specified.

6. In a folding boat; the combination of a suitable flexible skin;suitable gunwales; suitable ribs; a combined keel and bottom consistingof a central portion made up of three sections arranged end to end andconnected by oppositely arranged hinges; grooves in the sides of saidcentral portion; side pieces or portions made up of sections hingedtogether, arranged in the said grooves so that the sections thereofoverlap the joints of the said central portion; sockets in the ends ofsaid central portion; keel extensions adapted to be arranged in saidsockets; arranged through the ends of said cross-ribconnecting strap;seat-supports having hooks thereon adapted to engage over the saidgunwales;braces pivoted tosaid seat-supports and to each other by`ransverselyerranged pivots; a seat-board; loops on said seat-supportsadapted to receive said seat-board; whereby the said seat-board isclamped to said supports as said braces are forced into position; and astandard pivoted to said braces; adapted to be turned up to engage theunder side of said seat-board, for the purpose specified.

7. In a folding boat; the combination of' a suitable flexible skin;suitable gunwales; suitable ribs; a combined koel and bottom consistingof a central portion made up of three sections arranged end to endandconnected by oppositely arranged hinges; grooves 1n the sides of saidcentral portion; side pieces or portions made up of sections hingedtogether; arranged in said grooves so that the sections thereof overlapthe oints of the said central portion; upwardly-projecting pins on saidside pieces; rods having oppositely-disposod hooks at their ends adaptedto engage' the said pins, pivoted to said central portion; seat-supportshaving hooks thereon adapted to engage over the said gunwales; bracespivoted to said seat-supports and to each other by transversely-arrangedpivots; a seat-board; loops on said seat-supports adapted to receivesaid seat-board, whereby the said seat-board is clamped to said supportsas said braces are forced into position; and a standard pivoted to saidbraces, adapted to be turned up to engage the under side of saidseat-board; for the purpose specified.

8. In a folding boat; the combination of a suitable flexible skin;suitable gunwales; suitable ribs; a combined keel and bottom consistingof a central portion made up of three sections arranged end to end andconnected by oppositely arranged hinges; grooves in the sides of saidcentral portion; side pieces or portions made up of sections hingedtogether; arranged in the said grooves so that the sections thereofoverlap the joints of the said central portion; seat-supports havinghooks thereon adapted to engage over the said gunwales; braces pivotedto said seat-supports and to each other by transversely-arranged pivots;a seat-board; loops on said seat-supports adapted to re-` ceive saidseat-board7 whereby the said seatboard is clamped to said supports assaid braces are forced into position; and a standard pivoted to saidbra-ces, adapted to be turned up to engage the under side of saidseat-board, for the purpose specified.

9. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable skin; suitablegunwales; longitudinal ribs made up of overlapping sections adapted totelescope upon each other; the sliding sections having eyes therein toreceive the sections uponwhich they are telescoped; supporting-strapsadapted to receive the overlapping ends of' said rib-sections;cross-ribs arranged over said longitudinal ribs; a centrally-arrangedconnecting-strap for said cross-ribs a collapsible keel arranged oversaid cross-ribs, adapted to apply tension to the said connecting-strapthereof when inserted into position; seat-supports having hooks thereonadapted to engage over the said gunwales; braces pivoted to saidseat-supports and to each other by transverselyearranged pivots; adaptedto engage said keel when in position; a seat-board; loops on saidseat-supports adapted to receive said seat-board; whereby the said seat`board is clamped to said seat-supports as said braces are forced intoposition; and a standard pivoted to said braces; adapted to be turned upto engage the under side of said seat-board, for the purpose specified.

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10. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable skin; suitablegunwales; longitudinal ribs; cross-ribs arranged over said longitudinalribs; a centrally-arranged connecting-strap for said cross-ribs; acollapsible keel arranged over the` said cross-ribs7 adapted to applytension to the said connectingstrap thereof When inserted into position;seat-supports having hooks thereon adapted to engage over the saidgunvvales; braces pivoted to the said seat-supports and to each other bytransversely-arranged pivots, adapted to engage said keel'When inposition; a seat-board; loops on said seat-supports adapted to receivesaid seat-board; whereby the said seat-board is clamped to saidseatsupports as said braces are forced into position; and a standardpivoted to said braces adapted to be turned up to engage the undersideof said seat-board; for the purpose specified.

11. In a folding boat; the combination of a suitable skin; suitablegunwales longitudinal ribs inade up of overlapping sections adapted totelescope upon each other; the sliding sections having eyes therein toreceive the sections upon which they are telescoped; supporting-strapsadapted to receive the overlapping ends of said rib-sections;cross-ribsiarranged over the said longitudinal ribs; acentrally-arranged connectingstrap for said cross-ribs; a collapsiblekeel arranged over said cross-ribs; adapted to apply tension to the saidconnecting-strap thereof when inserted into position; seatsupportshaving hooks thereon adapted to engage over the said gunwales; bracespivoted to said seat-supports and to each other by transversely-arrangedpivots7 adapted to engage said keel when in position; a seatboard; andloops on said seat-supports adapted to receive said seat-board;wherebythe said seat-board is clamped to said seat-supports as said braces areforced into position; for the purpose specified.

12. In a folding boat; the combination of a suitable skin; suitablegunwales longitudinal ribs; cross-ribs arranged over said longitudinalribs; a collapsible keel arranged over the said cross-ribs, adapted toapply tension to the said connecting-strap thereof When inserted intoposition; seat-supports having hooks thereon adapted to engage over thesaid gunwales; braces pivoted to said seatsupports and to each other bytransverselyarranged pivots; adapted to engage said keel when inposition; a seat-board; and loops on said seat-supports adapted toreceive said seat-board; whereby the said seat-board is clamped to saidseat-supports as said braces are forced into position; for the purposespeci- 13. In a folding boat; the combination of a suitable flexibleskin; longitudinal ribs inade up of overlapping sections adapted totelescope upon each other, the sliding sections having eyes therein toreceive the sections upon which they are telescoped; supportingstrapsadapted to receive the overlapped ends of said rib-sections; cross-ribsarranged over said longitudinal ribs; a centrally-arrangedecnnecting-strap for said cross-ribs; a cornbined keel and bottomconsisting of a central portion rnade up of three sections arranged endto end and connected by oppositely-arranged hinges; grooves in the sidesof said central portion; side pieces or portions made up sections hingedtogether; arranged in said grooves so that the sections thereof overlapthe joints of the said central portion; upwardly-projecting pins on saidside pieces; rods having oppositel -disposed hooks at their ends;adapted to engage the said pins; pivoted to the said central portion;sockets in the ends of the said central portion; and keel extensionsadapted to be arranged in the said sockets arranged through the ends ofsaid crtss-rib-connecting strap, for the purpose specified.

14. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin;longitudinal ribs made up of overlapping sections adapted to telescopeupon each other, the sliding sections having eyes therein to receive thesections upon which they are telesooped; supportingstraps adapted toreceive the overlapped end of said rib-sections; cross-ribs arrangedover said longitudinal ribs; a centrally-arranged connecting-strap forsaid cross-ribs; a cornbined keel and bot-torn consisting of a centralJportion made up of three sections arranged end to end and connected byoppositely-arranged hinges; grooves in the sides of said centralportion; side pieces or portions made up of sections hinged together,arranged in said grooves so that the sections thereof overlap the jointsof the said central portion; sockets in the ends of the said centralportions, and keel extensions adapted to be arranged in the said socketsarranged through the ends of said cross-rib-connecting strap, for thepurpose specified.

15. In a folding boat; the combination of a suitable flexible skin;longitudinal ribs made up of overlapping sections adapted to telescopeupon each other, the sliding sections having eyes therein to receive thesections upon Which they are telescoped; supportingstraps adapted toreceive the overlapped ends of said rib-sections; cross-ribs arrangedover said longitudinal ribs; a centrally-arranged connecting-strap forsaid cross-ribs; a coinbined keel and bottorn consisting of a `centralportion inade up of three sections arranged end to end and connectedbyoppositely-arranged hinges; grooves in the sides of said centralportion; side pieces or portions made up of sections hinged together,arranged in said grooves so that the sections thereof overlap the jointsof the said central portion ;`up-

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Wardly-projecting pins on said side pieces; and rods havingoppositely-disposed hooks at their ends, adapted to engage the saidpins, pivoted to the said central portion, for the purpose specified.

16. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin;longitudinal ribs made up of overlapping sections adapted to telescopeupon each other, the sliding sections having eyes therein to receive thesections upon which they are telescope d supportingstraps adapt-ed toreceive the overlapped ends of said rib-sections; cross-ribs arrangedover said longitudinal ribs; centra yarranged connecting-strap for saidcross-ribs; a conlbined keel and bottom consisting of a central portionmade up of three sections arranged end to end and connected byoppositely-arranged hinges; grooves in the sides of said centralportion; and side p'eces or portions made up of sections hingedtogether, arranged in said grooves so that the sections thereof overlapthe joints of the said central portieri, for the purpose specihed.

17. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin;crc-ss -ribs; a combined keel and bottom consisting of a central portionmade up of three sections arranged end to end and connected byoppositely-arranged hinges; grooves in the sides of said centralportion, side pieces or portions made up of sections hinged together,arranged in said grooves so that the sections thereof overlap the jointsof the said central portion; upwardly-projecting pins on said sidepieces; rods having oppositely-disposed hooks at their ends, adapted toengage the said pins, pivoted to the said central portion;sockets in theends of the said central portion; and keel extensions adapted to bearranged in the said sockets arranged through the ends of saidcross-rib-connecting strap, for the purpose specified. 18. In a foldingboat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin cross -ribs; acornbined keel and bottom consisting of a central portion made up ofthree sections arranged end to end and connected by oppositely-arrangedhinges; grooves in the ysides of said central portion; side pieces orportions made up of sections'hinged together, arranged in said groovesso that the sections thereof overlap the joints of the said centralportion; sockets in the ends of the said central portions; and keelextensions adapted to be arranged in the said sockets arranged throughthe ends of said cross-rib connecting-strap, for the purpose specified.

19. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin;cross -ribs; a combined keel and bottom consisting of a central portionmade up of three sections arranged end to end and connected byoppositely-arranged hinges; grooves in the sides of said centralportion; side pieces or portions made up of sections hinged together,arranged in said grooves so that the sections thereof overlap the jointsof the said central portion upwardly-projecting pins on said. sidepieces; and rods having oppositely-disposed hooks at their ends, adaptedto engage the said pins, pivoted to the said central portion, for thepurpose specied.

20. ln a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin;cross-ribs; a com-4 bined keel and bottom consisting of a centralportion made up of three sections arranged end to end and connected byoppositely-arranged hinges; grooves in the sides of said centralportion, and side pieces or portions made up of sections hingedtogether, arranged in said grooves so that the sections thereof overlapthe joints of the said central portion, for the purpose specified.

2l. ln a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin;longitudinal ribs made up of overlapping sections adapted to telcscopeupon each other; supporting-straps adapted to receive the overlappedends of said rib-sections; cross-ribs arranged over said longitudinalribs; a centrally-arranged connecting-strap for said cross-ribs; a'combined keel and bottom consisting of a central portion made up ofsections; side pieces or portions, arranged to overlap the joints of thesaid central portion secured thereto; sockets in the ends of saidcentral portion; and keel extensions `adapted to be arranged in the saidsockets, arranged through the ends of said cross-rib-connecting strap,for the purpose specified.

22. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin;longitudinal ribs made up of overlapping sections adapted to telescopeupon each other; supporting-straps adapted to receive the overlappedends of said rib-sections; cross-ribs arranged over said longitudinalribs; a centrally-arranged connecting-strap for said cross-ribs; acoinbined keel and bottom consisting of a central portion made up ofsections; and side pieces or portions, arranged to overlap the joints ofthe said central portion secured thereto; for the purpose specified.

23. In a folding boat,the combination of a suitable exible skin;cross-ribs; a centrallyarranged conneoting-strap for said cross-ribs acombined keel and bottom consisting of a central portion made up ofsections; side pieces or portions, arranged to overlap the joints of thesaid central portion secured thereto; sockets in the ends of saidcentral portion; and keel extensions adapted to be arranged in the saidsockets, arranged through the ends of said cross-ib-connecting strap,for the purpose specified.

24. In a folding-boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin;cross-ribs; a centrallyarranged connecting-strap for said cross-ribs acombined keel and bottom consisting of a IOO central portion made up ofsections, and side pieces or portions, arranged to overlap the joints ofthe said central portion secured thereto, for the purpose specified.

25. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable fiexible skin;longitudinal ribs made up of overlapping sections adapted to telescopeupon each other, the sliding sections having eyes therein to receive thesections upon which they are telescoped; supportingstraps adapted toreceive the overlapped ends of said rib-sections a combined keel andbottom consisting of a central portion made up of three sectionsarranged end to end and connected by oppositely arranged hinges; sidepieces or portions made up of sections hinged together, arranged tooverlap the joints of the said central portion secured thereto; socketsin the ends of the said central portion; and keel extensions adapted tobe arranged in the said sockets, for the purpose specified.

26. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable 'flexible skin;longitudinal ribs made up of overlapping sections adapted to telescopeupon each other, the sliding sections having eyes therein to receive thesections upon which they are telescoped; supporting-l straps adapted toreceive the overlapped ends of said rib-sections; a combined keel andbottom consisting of a central portion made up of three sectionsarranged end to end and connected by oppositelyarranged hinges; and sidepieces or portions made up of sections hinged together, arranged tooverlap the joints of the said central portion secured thereto, for thepurpose specified.

27. ln a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin;longitudinal ribs made up of overlapping sections adapted to telescopeupon each other; supportingstraps adapted to receive the overlapped endsof said rib-sections; a combined keel and bottom consisting of acentraloportion made up of three lsections arranged end to end andconnected by oppositelyarranged hinges; side pieces or portions made upof sections hinged together, arranged to overlap the joints of the saidcentral portion secured thereto; sockets in the ends of the said centralportion; and keel extensions adapted to be arranged in the said sockets,for the purpose specified.

28. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin;longitudinal ribs made up of overlapping sections adapted to. telescopeupon each other; supporting-straps adapted to receive the overlappedends of said rib-sections; a combined keel and bottom consisting of acentral portion made up of three sections arranged end to end andconnected by oppositelyarranged hinges; and side pieces or portions madeup of sections hinged together, arranged to overlap the joints of thesaid central portion secured thereto, for the purpose specified.

29. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable fiexible skin;longitudinal ribs made up of overlapping sections adapted to telescopeupon each other, the sliding sections having eyes therein to receive thesections upon Which they are telescoped; supportingstraps arranged inpairs, adapted to receive the 'overlapped ends of said rib-sections;cross-ribs arranged over said longitudinal ribs; a centrally-arrangedconnecting-strap for said cross-ribs; and a keel arranged over saidcross-ribs, adapted to apply tension to the said connecting-straptherefor, for the purpose specified. l

30. ,In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin;longitudinal ribs in ade up of overlapping sections adapted totelescopeupon each other; supporting-straps, arranged in pairs, adapted toreceive the overlapped ends of said rib-sections; crossribs arrangedover said longitudinal ribs; a centrally-arranged connecting strap forsaid cross-ribs; and a keel arranged over said cross-ribs, adapted toapply tension to the said connecting-strap therefor, for the purposespecified.

31. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable fiexible skin;longitudinal ribs made up of overlapping sections adapted to telescopeupon each other, the sliding sections having eyes therein to receive thesections upon Which they are telescoped; and supporting-straps arrangedin pairs, adapted to 'receive the overlapped ends of said rib-sections,for the purpose specified;

32. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable flexible skin;longitudinal ribs made up of overlapping sections adapted to telescopeupon each other; and supportingstraps arranged in pairs, adapted toreceive the overlapped ends of said rib-sections, for the purposespecified.

33. In a folding boat, the combination of a i suitable flexible skin;longitudinal ribs'made up of overlapping sections adapted to telescopeupon each other, the sliding sections having eyes therein to receive thesections upon Which they are telescoped; supportingstraps adapted toreceive the overlapped ends of said rib-sections; cross-ribs arrangedover said longitudinal ribs; a centrally-arranged connecting strap forsaid cross-ribs; and a keel arranged over said cross-ribs, adapted toapply tension to the said connecting-strap therefor, for the purposespecified.

34. In a folding boat, the combination of a suitable fiexible skin;longitudinal ribs made up of overlapping sections adapted to telescopeupon each other, the sliding sections having eyes therein to receive thesections upon which they are telescoped;Y and supporting-straps adaptedto receive the over- IIO lapped ends of said rib-sections, for thepurpose speciiied.

35. In a folding 1ooat, the combination of a suitahle flexible skin;longitudinal rihsin ade up of overlapping sections adapted to telescopeupon each other; supportingstraps adapted to reeeive the overlapped endsof said rib-sections; cross-rips arranged over said longitudinal ribs; acentrally-arranged connecting-strap for said oross-riigs; and a keelarranged over said cross-rits, adapted to apply tension to the saidconnecting-strap therefor, for the purpose specilied.

36. In a folding boat, the co ination of a suitable flexible skin;longitudinal rics Wade up of overlapping sections adapted to telescopeupon each other; and supportingstraps adapted to receive the overlappedends of said rile-sections, for the purpose specified. 37. In afoldinghoat, the eo hination of a suitable ilexible skin, cross-r es; acentrallyarranged connecting-strap for said cross-ribs 3 and a keelarranged over said cross-ribs, adapted to apply tension to the saidconnecting-strap therefor, for the purpose specified.

38. In a folding boat, the co` hination of seat-supports having hooksthereon, adapted to engage over the gunwales of the boat; Toracespivoted to said seat-supports and to each other hv transversely-arrangedpivots; l a seat-hoard; loops on said seat-supports, adapted to receivesaid seat-hoard, wherehy the said seat-hoard is clamped to said supportsas said 1:":races are forced into position 5 and a standard pivoted tosaid hraces, adapted to he turned up to engage the under side of saidseat-hoard, for the purpose specified.

39. In a folding boat, the conination of seat-supports having hooksthereon, adapted to engage over the gunwales of the 1moat; hracespivoted to said seat-supports and to each other hy transversely-arrangedpivots; a seat-hoard and loops on said seat-supports, adapted to receivesaid seat-board, whereby the said seat-hoard is clamped to said supportsas said braces are forced into position, for the purpose specified.

In witness whereof I have hereunto set iny

